Widespread in Europe, the Pear tree can reach 15 metres in height. It has a typical pyramidal shaped crown and shiny oval dark green leaves with serrated edges. Pear wood has been used since the Middle Ages for intaglio and sculpture and until the 20th Century, it was the most widely used material for printing matrixes. Still today it is the wood most used for making flutes and other wind instruments. Due to its pinkish brown colour, it is used in the production of fine furniture.